Luxury Gold is a proud member of The Travel Corporation’s  (TTC) family of brands. The Tollman family behind TTC is guided by service and giving back. Together we believe that travel is a great privilege. With the education, compassion, and lifelong memories travel provides us also comes a great responsibility. At Luxury Gold, our mission is to ensure that travel has a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people and communities whose home we visit, and the rich wildlife we find there.

Luxury Gold does that in two ways: through our partnership with The TreadRight Foundation and through the implementation of our five-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right (HWTR).

The TreadRight Foundation

The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands. TreadRight has supported some 55-plus sustainable tourism projects worldwide to date. Support is provided through donations and grants to leading partners across the sustainable travel spectrum. These projects all fall under the three pillars of TreadRight: People, Wildlife, Planet.

1- PEOPLE – Community Support and Cultural Preservation

Luxury Gold enables communities to see the benefits from tourism through economic empowerment. Luxury Gold guests have the opportunity to enrich their journey by participating in a variety of unique community-led tourism experiences that directly support employment and preserve the community’s distinct heritage.

Meet Sarain Fox, TreadRight’s People Ambassador

Sarain amplifies the voices of her Indigenous community through preservation of culture and stories. “When we make authentic connections with local people our travel becomes infinitely richer. My First Nation Anishinaabe heritage serves as the lens through which I view the world, seeking to build a bridge to the people whose lands I am grateful to visit and whose stories I am privileged to tell. Throughout the Americas, you will find rich cultures to discover and support – and fascinating people to meet.”

Cultural Experiences That Make Travel Matter – Treasures of The Incas   

The Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco encourages a 10,000-year-old Andean textile tradition and provides support to the 500 individuals working in this heritage industry from the Cusco region. Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, president of The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, and learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and how she has succeeded in bringing weaving once more to the forefront of her community.

2. Planet – Conservation and Protection

We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business and safeguarding the future of our planet. Initiatives include: targeting climate change, sustainable food production and responsible consumption through carbon management, renewable energy, the food cycle, waste reduction, and the elimination of single-use plastics.

Meet Céline Cousteau, TreadRight’s Planet Ambassador

Leading environmentalist and explorer, Céline has been highlighting various sustainable travel topics and showcasing amazing projects helping to protect ecosystems all over the world through her films. She has been TreadRight’s Planet Ambassador since 2015. We encourage people to hear the stories of local projects, discover what different communities are doing to protect our planet. If you can get involved and understand what people are doing, you can see where we, as humans can make a difference.

3. Wildlife – CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION

The world’s wildlife is balancing on a dangerous precipice, so it is our responsibility to help protect some of these species most at risk from extinction. Through Luxury Gold’s partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, we to help protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino and big cat populations around the world, while also educating our guests on ethical wildlife experiences.

Meet Ami Vitale, TreadRight’s Wildlife Ambassador

Awarded “Best Image of the Decade” for her depiction of the final moments of a northern white rhino, former war photographer Ami Vitale captures compelling stories of wildlife and nature on film. Ami has travelled to over 100 countries and is committed to making a profound difference to the future of conservation. There isn’t just one thing you can do for the planet, there are many things, but one of those has to be choosing travel companies that offer ethical experiences. Supporting companies that choose sustainability means prolonging the existence of certain species.

Ethical Wildlife Experiences with Luxury Gold – Essence of India with Ranthambore

Visit the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur, in search of the elusive Bengal tiger and other wildlife on an early-morning game drive. More common wildlife sightings in the dry, deciduous forests o Jaipur include wild boars, monkeys, spotted deer and antelope. Return to your resort for breakfast before you head out on another safari adventure into the National Park, led by an expert naturalist. Besides wildlife, you’ll discover lakes, palace ruins, traditional Chhatri and even a majestic 1,000-year-old fort.

How We Tread Right Strategy Implementation

Going beyond our partnership with The TreadRight Foundation How We Tread Right is our new five-year sustainability strategy. At the heart of this strategy are 11 goals, developed to address both the environmental footprint and the community impact of our business and operations. These 11 HWTR goals are anchored to the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, which we’ve prioritized based on our impact potential. Our goals were developed in consultation with 30+ TTC brand and business leaders, as well as our Make Travel Matter Team, a passionate group of team members tasked with embedding sustainability at our offices and within our operations around the world.

Make Travel Matter (MTM) Experiences

NEW for 2022 at Luxury Gold Make Travel Matter Experiences  are conscious travel experiences available on our journeys. MTM Experiences are chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have on their communities and those who experience them. Using a proprietary assessment tool endorsed by industry experts and developed exclusively for TTC’s family of brands, MTM Experiences are assessed against a robust set of criteria directly tied to the UN Global Goals. Through HWTR, we are committed to integrating at least one MTM Experience on 50% of our trips by 2025.

Take The Pledge – In It Together

As mentioned our ethos of #makingtravelmatter permeates our entire business and mandates that each member of the Luxury Gold team does his or her very best to walk the talk. As a global family connected through our love of travel and our commitment to sustainability, we have each signed the #MakeTravelMatter Pledge we hope that you will join us before embarking on your Luxury Gold journey.

In the dreary days of winter, it’s the most natural thing to dream of inspiring beach destinations where you could travel. With rolling waves onto golden sands framed by towering cliffs cloaked in lush vegetation, it’s easy to see in your mind’s eye what paradise looks like. If you’re keen for small group travel to a stunning coastal destination, we can recommend a few beaches that will truly take your breath away.

No matter which continent you seek adventure on, Luxury Gold can help you plan exclusive beach vacations in the most amazing places, so you won’t have to worry about a single thing. Read on to help decide your next beach getaway.

HAWAII

Kauna’oa Bay, Kohala Coast

The immaculate white sands of this beach are unusual in this part of the island, as they are formed of silica, instead of coral or lava like the other beaches on the Kohala coast. It’s a perfect place to take a refreshing swim in the morning, as the water is still and calm. The bay curves around providing shelter, but sometimes it’s possible to partake in the island’s favorite water sport – surfing.

On Luxury Gold’s Luxurious Hawaiian Escape, you stay directly on this private beach, so it’s possible to have it all to yourself. Swim with the manta rays or simply stroll on the white sand as the sun goes down over the island.

Wailea Beach, Maui

This glorious stretch of sand is named after the Lea, goddess of canoe makers. The calm waters are ideal for swimming or snorkeling, as the visibility is superb. If you just want to relax and top up your tan, there’s plenty of space on this wide beach, so you can get a prime spot in the sun. You can also admire the views of volcanic islands Kaho’olawe, Lana’i and Molokini in the distance.

Many Hollywood celebrities have been spotted on these sands, but nature lovers will prefer visiting in winter when humpback whales can be seen breaching just off the coast. Luxury Gold guests can enjoy a gentle walk from their splendid accommodation at Fairmont Kea Lani along the Wailea Beach Hear the sounds of the whales in season as your feet sink into the silky sand.

BRAZIL

Praia de Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Surely the most famous beach on earth, Praia de Copacabana is a perfectly scalloped slice of coastline, framed by green forested hills. With Luxury Gold, you can enjoy the view from the grand Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, which sits right on the beach.  Spot the enormous waves in the middle section, grab a cool drink from one of the hawkers and watch people weave in and out on the monochrome boardwalk with the recognizable wave motif.

If you’re feeling active, you can take a paddleboard out on the ocean, or maybe join one of the beach volleyball games taking place all along the 5-kilometer stretch? It’s also one of the most incredible places on earth to ring in a New Year, with revelers from all over the world and one of the biggest fireworks displays on the planet.

AUSTRALIA

Cape Tribulation, Queensland

Photo by David Clode

There is something remarkable about stepping from one the world’s oldest rainforests onto the beach at Cape Tribulation. Located in the Daintree National Park, this small coastal town feels totally off the beaten track and doesn’t welcome as many tourists as the beaches around Sydney or the Gold Coast.

Luxury Gold guests begin their Inspiring Australia tour staying right by the Coral Sea, so it’s a great opportunity to get some tranquil beach time in an extraordinary environment.

The crystal waters of Coral Sea are home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the planet’s most amazing natural wonders and a giant living organism that can actually be seen from space. This means that Cape Tribulation contains an abundance of marine life, so it’s a superb place for a diving trip. If not, take a walk along the pristine sands and enjoy the peace of this stunningly beautiful place.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland

Perhaps you’d like some remote beach time as an addition to your Luxury Gold Inspiring Australia tour? If so, the award-winning Whitehaven Beach is a strong recommendation. Here you’ll find some of the purest sand in the world and the pleasingly warm waters are an inviting place any time of day.

If you fancy stretching your legs, head to the northern end of the beach, where you’ll discover Hill Inlet. This is where the tide shifts, creating a natural swirl of colors that is a beautiful sight to behold. As it’s located in the center of the Great Barrier Reef, you are sure to witness some amazing sea life in the clear turquoise waters. You can also take a seaplane or helicopter ride to appreciate the magnificent natural beauty of the area.

NEW ZEALAND

Mount Maunganui Beach, Auckland

Photo by Andre Knight

You are never too far from a beach in New Zealand, and the staggering beauty of each means that you’ll never have a wasted trip. However, Mount Maunganui beach is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the country and even makes the top 25 in the world. Surfers flock here due to the awesome surf breaks, but as the coastline stretches for hundreds of miles, plenty of people visit purely for the gorgeous views.

Mount Maunganui is overlooked by its namesake mountain and it’s great for swimming, as well as surfing. Paddle boarding is another popular water sport at this spot. A gentle uphill walk will take you to the top of the Mount, an extinct volcano carpeted in foliage, where you have a spectacular vantage point over the Bay of Plenty. Many native birds frequent the mount, so you’ll easily catch a glimpse of a fanned tail as it swoops towards the Pacific Ocean.

Luxury Gold brings small travel groups to experience The Long White Cloud, which ends in Auckland. From there, Mount Maunganui is easily reached by car in under three hours, or you can take a short flight to nearby Tauranga.

CROATIA

Petrcane beach, Dalmation

Croatia’s mainland coastline stretches for over 1,300 kilometers, so travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes for picturesque picnic spots by the sea. However, much of the rugged coastline is rocky, with only a handful of beaches being sandy. Petrcane beach has both rocks and sand, which is convenient for travelers who don’t like sand sticking to their feet or clothing after being in the water.

Luxury Gold guests can easily access Petrcane Beach when staying at the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera. The temperate waters of the Adriatic Sea and the shallow depths at this beach mean that it’s safe and pleasant for an afternoon dip. It is situated between two peninsulas, which provides shelter and it never gets too busy; the vibe of this ancient fishing village is completely relaxed. There are friendly cafés and restaurants nearby and a pretty promenade to walk along, while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.

FRANCE

Plage Paloma, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

When you think of the most exclusive beach vacations in the world, the Cote d’Azur is sure to spring to mind. This beach sits right by some of the most expensive real estate on the planet and part of it is sealed off as an exclusive club that has played host to huge stars such as Sean Connery and Tom Cruise. This exquisite spot was named for Pablo Picasso’s daughter, so it has long been a favorite among artists too.

However, you can access the beach for free, and it’s worth it simply to marvel at the unobstructed views across the cliffs of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Eze. Either book your spot under one of the beach umbrellas, or you can even join the jet set for some water skiing or paddle boarding around the little cove. Experience more sweeping Mediterranean vistas on Luxury Gold’s French Vogue tour.

PORTUGAL

Praia Do Carvalho, Benagil

It can be hard to find a beach on the Algarve that isn’t crowded, but enter a cliffside tunnel in Benagil, navigate the sandstone steps and you’ll emerge onto the small but perfectly performed Praia Do Carvalho. There is no lifeguard on this beach, but the soft golden sands and inviting sapphire sea between the large cliffs make it an absolute paradise.

If you like your beach days to be high on adrenalin, you can partake in some cliff diving, which is safe due to the depth of the water here. Snorkeling is also a rewarding experience, as the water is clear and the V-shape of the cove makes it a welcoming place for a multitude of marine life.

If you’ve joined one of the luxury group tours enjoying Spain & Portugal in Style, then you might like to add on a few days in the Algarve to explore the region in more depth.

SOUTH AFRICA

Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

Photo by Brent Ninaber

Although it’s a city, Cape Town has some incredible beaches. It’s difficult to choose which one is best, because it depends what you want from your beach trip. Certainly, the one with the most striking scenery is Bloubergstrand. The startling white sands lead to sparkling blue water with Table Mountain as a remarkable backdrop. It is truly inspiring.

The beach also feels quite untouched by tourism, mostly because it’s so expansive that it never gets crowded. You can find a great spot to catch some rays without anyone nearby. The winds can pick up down here, so it’s popular for kitesurfing and wind-surfing, and the crashing waves are a photo op in themselves.

Visitors who embark on the Spectacular South Africa tour with Luxury Gold spend five days in Cape Town, so there is time to really appreciate what the city has to offer, and see more than one of its astounding beaches.

MONTENEGRO

Plavi Horizonti, Dalmation

Although Montenegro is a tiny nation, with 295 kilometers of coastline it offers plenty for beach lovers to adore. The warm Mediterranean climate means that there is an abundance of sunny days, and the calm waters are great for a refreshing swim.

Luxury Gold guests enjoy a full day of leisure in Tivat, so it’s ideal for a relaxing day on the sand. Plavi horizonti, a Blue Flag beach, is situated in the southern part of the bay of Tivat, and is popular with families. The clear waters here are naturally sheltered from the wind by the pine and olive trees that line the cove. The beach is a mixture of fine sand and pebbles and warm rocky pools provide safe places to explore. This is one of the best beaches in Montenegro to snorkel, as you’ll catch sight of plenty of sea life beneath the surface.

Small Group Travel With Luxury Gold

As we consider getting back to travel, Luxury Gold have introduced small group departures, which can make your journey even more magical. Guests enjoy more space and time to explore a destination with less waiting around and more access to selected experiences that aren’t available to larger groups.

If you’re seeking smaller travel groups to the world’s best beach destinations, Luxury Gold affords you the opportunity with an average of 15 guests on our small group departures to Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and more. For as long as physical distancing is the norm, you can do so with Luxury Gold.

Choose your next sun break on one of the world’s finest beaches with Luxury Gold.

During the seemingly endless winter days, our minds turn to travel more than ever now, as many of us have had our plans restricted in the past year. There is more than a beam of light for the travel industry this year and while certain adjustments need to be made, we can take you on some exclusive tours of the most colorful cities in the world, simply from your armchair.

Whether you need inspiration for your next city break or want to know more about our luxurious tours that let you truly experience these destinations, dive into our list and let your imagination journey through the technicolor barrios of Buenos Aires, Argentina to the soothing cerulean shades of Jodhpur, India.

Venice, Italy

Whilst visiting one of the most romantic cities in the world, cruise with Luxury Gold to the island of Burano, one of the six neighborhoods’ that make up Venice. The pretty multi-colored houses that line the canals will catch your eye as you approach and the area is very relaxing to stroll around.

The tradition of painting houses in different colors in Burano actually stems from a long line of fishermen who populate the community. When returning from a day’s fishing, the fishermen often found it difficult to pinpoint their home from another in deep fog, so they began painting their homes in different, bright colors to distinguish them. Now residents follow governmental guidelines when painting their homes so it remains as picturesque as ever.

Burano is also known for its homemade lace, and many of the colored buildings now house lace shops, with different stitches representing different women. Groups of women sit together to make each piece, continuing a centuries-long tradition of working together and keeping each other company on the long days their husbands were away fishing. This sense of support infuses the atmosphere of Burano, adding to the quaint feeling of the place.

Warsaw, Poland

The capital city of Poland is a striking place to visit, and not just for the abundance of historical monuments there. The architecture of the city tells its own story, rising from the ruins of past battles, with the triumphant pink-hued Barbican, rebuilt with bricks from old buildings to the classic Soviet Palace of Culture and Science, the juxtaposition of different styles is a marvel, even to the untrained eye. On one of Luxury Gold’s luxurious tours, Harmony of Central Europe, travelers can join a Local Expert to explore the charming Old Town, which has been lovingly restored and is now a hive of activity. See the red brick Royal Castle that has witnessed some of the most dramatic scenes in the country’s history, from demonstrations to uprisings, and even the setting for a rousing speech by former President Bill Clinton.

Wander through the bohemian Praga district to admire the modern artwork on its walls and see the contrast of older buildings brought to life by gigantic portraits, flags and even recreated battle scenes. Krakow is the Polish city people talk about most, but Warsaw is slowly becoming more appreciated by visitors to the country.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Perhaps there’s something about the winter weather in Europe that inspires the citizens to reach for the more vivid shades of a palette? No matter what time of year you visit Copenhagen, it feels like walking through a fairy tale. That would explain where one of the world’s most famous storytellers, Hans Christian Anderson, found his inspiration right here in his home town.

On the Timeless Scandinavia tour with Luxury Gold, it’s a joy to land in Copenhagen airport. This is one of the greenest cities in the world, where residents rate highly on the index of the world’s happiest people. Who could blame them? A stroll through the beautiful harbor area of Nyhavn, with its well-preserved 17th century houses lining the canal is a natural mood boost, and the chance to see the well-crafted wooden ships on the water. Grab a coffee in one of the pretty cafés and watch people go about their day the Danish way.

Copenhagen is not just picturesque by day. Step into the magical Tivoli Gardens by night to explore one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. You’ll find pagodas, dragon boats, places imagined from legend and a spectacular light show every evening.

Walt Disney visited the park several times, and it’s plain to see how he created Disneyland in its image, although it’s a far cry from any other theme park you’ve ever visited.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The enchanting city of Buenos Aires comprises several vibrant neighborhoods, with each blink taking in its ambiance and creativity. From the elegance of Belgrano, that suddenly segues into the neon lights of Chinatown, every corner offers a surprise for the curious traveler. Luxury Gold guests get a chance to learn more about this fascinating metropolis from a Local Expert. Explore the upmarket Palermo that has a real buzz around its designer stores and trendy bars. You’ll also see the blooming rose gardens of the Bosques de Palermo. San Telmo is famous for its pastel buildings, many dating from a colonial era. The area is steeped in history and has a lively Sunday Fair that is popular with the youth of the city.

For even more culture, Recoleta is packed with museums and galleries so art-lovers will be spoiled for choice. Of course, it is also home to the famous cemetery, where the legendary Eva Peron rests. Little streets of tombs are framed by stunning sculptures and mausoleums, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the country.

La Boca is truly where the color of Buenos Aires comes to life. Every building resembles a Fauvist painting palette. Here, visitors will find tango studios alongside steakhouses, and many will notice the European flavor of the old port area, which is a great place to see work by local artists. Another highlight of the neighborhood is La Bombonera, where the famous football team, the Boca Juniors, play every week.

Valparaiso, Chile

In a continent that is alive with hues, Valparaiso stands out as one of the most colorful cities. It is a wonder to explore the hilly port city – it stands like an open-air gallery spread across miles. Exclusive tours such as Classic South America let guests explore the historic UNESCO protected streets and admire the natural Ampitheater setting.

The walls are decorated with the work of numerous local street artists, reflecting the culture and heritage of central Chile. Spot the murals that depict local life and the huge animal caricatures that joyfully play along the street walls. The government encourages local artists here, so they can often be seen at work with their spray cans, bringing their creativity to life on the side of a building.

The houses are all painted in pretty colors too – it seems that everyone is in on the arty vibe of the city. Many streets open on to fantastic Pacific Ocean views that further enhance the beauty of Valparaiso. Even the stone steps have poetry or song lyrics painted on them, making every footstep an adventure.

Ascend by funicular to the Museo a Cielo Abierto to find out more about local artists, or visit the barrio (neighborhood) of Cerro Concepcion to see mosaic stairs and grab coffee at a local café. La Sebastiana is another must-see, once home to the famed Chilean author and poet, Pablo Nerudo. Step out onto the terrace where he would watch the fireworks over the city on New Year’s Eve.

Jodhpur, India

Situated in the dusty desert of north Rajasthan is the Blue City of Jodhpur, aptly named for the shades of its buildings. There are many theories as to why most of the old part of the city is painted blue – some suggest that it deters termites, other that is cooling and some even say that it is a sacred color, associated with the god Shiva.

The most spectacular view of the city is from the Mehrangargh fort that sits 30 meters above the city on a perpendicular cliff. Luxury Gold guests can take in the panorama from the fort and discover more about imperial culture in the well-stocked museum of Jaswant Thada. The detail in the white marbled building is mesmerising. There’s also a merry tuk-tuk ride through the brightly-colored streets of Jodhpur to the Sadar market, where locals sell pashminas in every shade and rich fabrics.

Although some of the blue houses are certainly on the modest side, there are many interesting buildings to see in the city. Umaid Bhavan Palace, once home to the Maharaja, ruler of Jodhpur, is now a luxurious resort that was recently voted the world’s best hotel. The rose-pink turreted structure showcases multiple styles of architecture, but the result is truly impressive.

Cape Town, South Africa

It’s not just the turquoise of the ocean against golden sands, or the arresting lush landscape that spreads out from the city that makes Cape Town so colorful. It’s the culture, the food, the music that has sprung up from the grassroots here. As a Luxury Gold guest, you can explore this delightful city from the exquisite Twelve Apostles, situated right above the Atlantic Ocean. Travel to central Cape Town to discover the Bo Kaap neighborhood. The area is full of color and cheer that was borne out of hope and resilience. Dating back to the 1760s, the Dutch East India company housed many of their slaves from Malaysia and Indonesia in the houses and everything was painted white. It wasn’t until Nelson Mandela came to power that slaves had the power to buy their houses here, and painted them in bright colors to declare their freedom. The oldest building in the city is now home to the Bo Kaap museum, which is a great place to discover more about the history of Cape Town.

Bo Kaap has been inhabited by the same families for over a century, so many residents have deeply personal links with the history of the area. It is a fantastic place to explore and enjoy a typical Cape Malay meal, which is an aromatic fusion of Middle Eastern and Dutch cooking and taste the specialty cardamom tea. The area is an important heritage center for residents of Cape Town.